why does God ask people to worship him (sharia).pdf

Introduction

In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Grantor of Mercy

This question has been a recurrent criticism among antagonists of religion. It has

even stirred doubts in many theists who have been worn down by its relentless repetition, or who have simply lost hope in ever having it answered to their satisfaction. This paper is based on a book (with the same title) by Dr. Sami Ameri

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that provides a compelling critique of this question as well as a variety of responses

to it.

The arguments of atheists have been so loud and ubiquitous that they may

appear to be many and profound. However, upon closer examination, one

soon realizes that they are, in fact, few in number and largely recycled. They

usually involve unsubstantiated assumptions about realities beyond our finite realm, such as the eternality of matter or God’s qualities and actions. Of

course, the latter are more complicated than the former because they involve

the non-tangible world, to which we have no direct access.

One common question posed by atheists pertains to the wisdom behind God asking His creation to worship Him. Usually, it is phrased something like this: Why does God ask us to worship Him, when He has no need for our worship?

How does God benefit from our prayers, supplications, and fasting? Some may first ask: What is the wisdom for which God created us? But the moment they are told that it is for worship, they immediately object: But what does He gain from us worshipping Him? By that, we are brought back to the original question. This

paper begins by offering three reasons why this question—“Why does God ask

for worship?”—is inherently problematic. It then addresses the more

pertinent question, “Why do we need to worship God?”